Preliminary in-vitro evaluation of marketed formulations for antacid activity

Background: Hydrochloric acid (pH 1.5-3.5) being the major component of gastric acid is produced by parietal cells of stomach. Its secretion is a complex and relatively energetically expensive process. The preservation of acidity of stomach is evidently important because of its implications in peptic and duodenal ulceration.Methods: In the present study, we attempted to compare the activity of 13 (F1-F13) antacid formulations (5-liquid, 4- quick releases and 4- tablets) by using acid-base neutralization studies. Preliminary antacid test (PAT) was performed to define whether the given formulation falls under the category of antacid wherein the pH of the antacid-acid (HCl) solution should be higher than pH of 3.5. The chosen antacids were further subjected to acid neutralizing capacity (ANC) (reaction between the sample of antacid and amount of acid neutralized by the formulation) and acid neutralizing potential (ANP) which explains the time duration during which a given sample of antacid can maintain pH above 3.5).Results: Out of the 13 samples tested, two formulations of pastels (F6, F12) were rejected as per the standard protocol of classifying formulations as antacids after screening for PAT. Sample F5 was found to have the highest ANC. F7 also showed highest ANC among the tablets tested. Also, F13 showed better ANC and ANP as in comparison to other quick releases.Conclusions: Digene products (F5, F7, and F13) showed better antacid properties. This data would provide insights into development of drug, comparison between antacids depending on their chemical formulation and determination of dosage to avoid plausible side effects

Comparison of two marketed effervescent fast relief formulations for antacid activity-an in vitro study

Background: Hyper-acidity is excessive formation of acid (pH=1.5-3.5) in the stomach by parietal cells which causes a burning sensation in the chest. The preservation of gastric acid insult is crucial because of the implications of hyperacidity in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcers and duodenal ulcers. Acidity is controlled by use of some over-the-counter (OTC) antacid formulations containing magnesium or aluminum hydroxides.Methods: In the present study, the preliminary antacid test (PAT), the pH acid neutralizing capacity (ANC), acid neutralizing potential (ANP) along with buffering capacity of two well-known quick release formulations (F1 [Digene Ultra Fizz] and F2 [a standard, commercially available product]) were determined. Results: According to US pharmacopeia USP, both the antacid formulations passed the PAT test. PAT results revealed that the pH of the acid-antacid solution was higher in F1 (8.20±0.02) as compared to F2, (6.53±0.01). The ANC results revealed that F1 (46.89±0.6 mEq/dosage) had higher neutralizing capacity as compared to F2(30.12±1.3 mEq/dosage). Higher ANP was observed for F1 (245 mins), and it was 2.7 times that of F2 (90 min). The onset of action for both the antacids was <2 seconds. Additionally, buffering capacity was evidently observed during ANP analysis in the case of F1. Independent T test performed for all the tests revealed that the data obtained was highly significant (p<0.01).Conclusions: F1 showed high antacid and buffering properties when tested in vitro. The present study highlights the need for future research on specific OTC non-prescribed antacid formulations with respect to their price, efficacy and side effects

Wound healing potential of Vakeri fortified Kampillakadi Taila

Background: Traditional medicine in form of decoctions has been known for ages to possess wound healing abilities. One such traditional formulation mentioned in Indian literature Charak Samhita Chikitsa Sthanam is Kampillakadi Taila and tremendous information is available on its implication in the treatment of skin cuts and wounds, diseases, or bacterial infections. This research paper focuses on studying the wound healing property of one such herbal proprietary formulation known as a wound healing oil, derived from Kampillakadi Taila fortified with root extract of Wagatea spicata (VIKHPF). Objective: The current research is aimed at studying chemical profiling, antioxidant activity, antimicrobial efficacy, in-vitro cell proliferating, and in-vitro wound healing activity of this VKHPF. Materials and methods: The chemical characterization of VKHPF was done by gas chromatography- fatty acid methyl esters GC-FAME analysis for lipid analysis and gas chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry (GC-HRMS)for revealing its chemical constituents. Proliferation and migration are two underlying mechanisms involved in the healing of wounds. Hence, in-vitro studies such as cell proliferation assay and in-vitro scratch test on NIH/3T3 mice fibroblast cell line were conducted were used to determine in-vitro wound healing capacity of VKHPF. The oil was also tested for antioxidant effect (DPPH assay) and anti-microbial potential (Time kill test). Results: The GC-HRMS and GC-FAME analyses revealed rich medicinally important fatty acids and vitamins were present in VKHPF, such as oleic acid, hexadecanoic acid, squalene, α, γ-tocopherol, γ-sitosterol, and benzoic acid. VKHPF at 0.5 mg/ml in media without serum showed 164.00 ± 0.011% cell viability with 64.00% cell proliferation in contrast to media containing serum (100% cell viability). At the same concentration, the wound closure was 98% for VKHPF. The oil sample possessed antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 3.5 mg/ml and antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa when tested using Time Kill Activity. Conclusion: This study is the first to report the use of Vakeri fortified Kampillakadi Taila herbal proprietary formulation (VKHPF) in in-vitro wound healing and the present data suggest that it can form a part of modern medicine